Freshly-baked bread is the BEST.
This is just a fact of life.
It’s one of those things that’s so simple and so perfect that it’s almost best reserved for special occasions. ‘Almost’ being the keyword.
No matter which way you slice it, Vancouver is an absolute hotbed for freshly baked, handcrafted loaves. Here’s where to get the good stuff!
Fife Bakery – 64 E 3rd Ave
Fife Bakery Facebook
You certainly can't mention fresh bread without shouting out one of Vancouver’s newest little bake shops, Fife Bakery. Fife is a local, organic sourdough bread bakery that uses small family farm and sustainable ingredients. Located just outside the Olympic Village, Fife currently offers four bread varieties, in addition to absolutely perfect chocolate chip cookies and coffee.
Nelson the Seagull – 315 Carrall St
Nelson The Seagull
Nelson the Seagull’s bread game is so strong you can practically smell it from around the corner of their gorgeous Gastown café. Their sourdough bread can be bought by the loaf or enjoyed in-house with one of their tremendous breadboards or delicious breakfast dishes. Let’s just say, avocado toast aficionados will be very pleased with what’s going on at this Gastown gem.
A Bread Affair – 1680 Johnston St
A Bread Affair Facebook
Granville Island’s A Bread Affair is one of Vancouver's most beloved organic artisan bakeries. The great thing about a Bread Affair is that each loaf has its own story. Their ‘Okanagan Apple’ bread was developed from a traditional recipe using tart certified organic Spartan apples while their 'Love at First Bite', features ingredients grown within 71 miles of Vancouver City Hall. This iconic Vancouver bread shop proves that great ingredients and skilled craftsmanship make for something truly special.
Bâtard Boulangerie – 3958 Fraser St
Bâtard Facebook
A Parisian inspired hangout located in East Vancouver, Bâtard is a family run boulangerie and café that makes all their breads and pastries in house. Their recipes are inspired by the family’s travels in France, as well as traditional recipes from their own culinary repertoire. Bâtard uses seasonal and local ingredients, but their menu changes regularly, so you’ll have to visit them in store to see what’s on the menu.
Gluten Free Epicurean – 633 E 15th Ave
We’d would never forget about our GF friends! In addition to making a ton of gluten-free baked goods (cakes, cookies, pizza, pies, etc), East Vancouver’s Gluten Free Epicurean offers some incredible gluten free baguettes. Be sure to arrive early or call ahead, these things go quick, especially on weekends!
Terra Breads – Various Locations
There are Terra Breads located all over the city, but that’s because they make some damn good bread! From brioche to challah and focaccia you can’t really go wrong at this Vancouver staple. Each loaf is the result of locally sourced, seasonal, free range, sustainable, non-GMO and organic ingredients and the company's "slow food" philosophy.
Small Victory – 1088 Homer St and 3070 Granville St
Small Victory Facebook
Small Victory is all about the morning ritual, which means they’re all about bread and coffee! These simple things can truly make or break a day, but fortunately, Small Victory does both exceptionally well. Their modest menu features sandwiches, baked goods and five traditional bread types. Whether you’re grabbing a slice or a full loaf, their breads will ensure that you’re starting your day off right.
Fieldstone Artisan Breads – 12823 Crescent Rd Unit 2
Now under new ownership, South Surrey's Fieldstone continues in the tradition of their well-loved naturally leavened breads. According to their website, naturally leavened breads are easier to digest due to their slow, extended, 24 hour fermentation. During this process, the natural cultures “predigest” the grain, converting carbohydrates into simple sugars and breaking down proteins, making the bread easier to assimilate in our digestive systems.
Bad Dog Bread – 1600 Mackay Rd
Bad Dog Bread Facebook
Bad Dog Bread is a sensational new addition to Vancouver’s collection of artisanal bakeries featuring naturally-leavened bread made on the North Shore! Bad Dog also offers some pretty badass breakfast toasts and hearty takeaway loaves (Wheat Raisin & Coriander).
Beyond Bread – 3686 W 4th Ave
You’ve got to make some pretty great bread if you want to move beyond it. Starting with a simple base of organic flour, water, and salt, Beyond Bread's breads are naturally-leavened and hand-shaped with care. They are tucked lovingly into their ovens at dawn, baked every day, and available as early as your morning coffee.Their breads feature both local and organic ingredients.
Purebread Bakery – 159 W Hastings St and 5 East 5th Ave
Purebread Facebook
Let’s be honest, Purebread will be on any list that’s even remotely related to baked goods. While the multi-location bakery and café is known more for their sweet (and indulgent) offerings, they also make stunning bread, featuring a rotating cast of over 20 flavours. Purebread breads contain no added sugar or preservatives.
Savary Island Pie Company – 1533 Marine Dr
Obviously this West Vancouver staple is known for their amazing freshly made pies, but we definitely recommend giving their bread a shot too! From Irish soda bread to a hearty raisin rye, this is the type of rustic bread you’ll be craving as soon as the fall weather kicks in.
Craving more? The Great Canadian Baking Show is back for a second season on CBC!
Hosted by Dan Levy and Julia Chan, The Great Canadian Baking Show brings together 10 amateur bakers from across the country to compete in a series of themed culinary challenges that celebrate their diverse backgrounds, families and communities.
Each week bakers will compete in three challenges, The Signature Bake, the Technical Bake and the Show Stopper. After the judges taste and critique the bakes, they crown one Star Baker and ask one baker to leave the tent. The final three bakers compete for The Great Canadian Baking Show title. The Great Canadian Baking Show is an affirming, warm-spirited competition that celebrates personal achievement and the joy of baking.
To learn more visit, cbc.ca, or watch now via the CBC TV APP.
